The projects will use cutting edge science to deliver benefits for society: from creating new drugs from bacteria, to making plastic from plants.
The Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst, in which NNFCC plays a co-ordinating role, is a multi-million-pound competition funded by Innovate UK, BBSRC and EPSRC which aims to boost collaborations between the academic and business communities. Industrial biotechnology focuses on developing biological processes to improve efficiency in chemical production and help combat threats such as antimicrobial resistance and reliance on fossil fuels.
In the UK, the sector generates around £2.9Bn annually and supports around 9,000 jobs.
The projects funded under round four of the IB Catalyst focus on a range of topics such as creating biofuels and developing new antibiotics to keep us healthy. One such project from the University of Manchester, John Innes Centre and GlaxoSmithKline will look to improve processes by developing new enzymes which could be used by bacteria to produce drugs molecules in a more cost-effective manner.
Since its inception in 2014, the IB Catalyst has provided valuable support for academic and industrial collaboration to foster research translation. Over £75M has been invested over four rounds, helping to secure the UK’s position as a world-leader in the sector; driving new technologies and creating new jobs.
For full press release and details of funded projects click here.